What is Rhodiola rosea?

Rhodiola rosea is a plant with health benefits; these include antidepressant and stress relieving qualities.

What does Rhodiola rosea look like?

Rhodiola rosea is a perennial plant which returns to flower each year. The flowers are mainly yellow but may also show colors of red and pink.

A number of thinner shoots grow up from its thick root reaching a height of up to around 30cms.

As a diocious plant, there are Rhodiola rosea plants with either male or female flowers. They grow in close proximity to each other so pollination can occur.

Rhodiola Rosea – Other Names 

"Rhodiola rosea": the first part, Rhodiola, refers to the Greek name Rhodon which in English means 'rose'. The thick roots of this plant have an aroma (smell) similar to roses, hence the name.

As the medicinal properties of this plant come from the root, Rhodiola rosea supplements, particularly those taken in powered form, can have a faint taste and smell of rose.

Rhodiola rosea is also known as:

  • Aaron's Rod
  • Golden Root
  • Roseroot
  • Russian Rhodiola

Where is Rhodiola rosea found?

Indigenous to Siberia, Rhodiola rosea is found in cold, dry regions throughout the northern hemisphere. It typically grows at altitude and is found in areas, often mountainous, up to a height of around 2000 meters above sea level.

Regions where Rhodiola rosea is commonly found include:

  • The Arctic
  • Central Asian mountains
  • Rocky Mountains in North America
  • Mountainous and Alpine regions of Europe including:
    • United Kingdom
    • Ireland
    • France – the Alps
    • France / Spain – the Pyrenees
    • Iceland
    • Scandinavia
    • Carpathians – a mountain range which extends across eastern and central Europe